Stretchable Waterproof Liner

ABSTRACT

Waterproof articles of footwear having an improved fit and waterproof stretchable liners are provided. The footwear and liners of the present technology may include various stretchable components configured to tightly secure and conform to a user&#39;s foot and adapted to provide a tighter and more versatile fit around the differently sized and shaped feet of various different users. In some aspects of the present technology, the waterproof liner may contain one or more stretchable panels and one or more non-stretchable or less stretchable panels. In other aspects, waterproof footwear may be provided with stretchable components such as straps or bands adapted to secure a user&#39;s foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/104,583, filed on Oct. 23, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incoporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to articles of footwear, in particular waterproof articles of footwear having an improved fit and a waterproof liner which provides for secure engagement of a user's foot within the footwear and reduction of slipping or sliding of a user's foot during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Waterproof footwear is widely used and highly desirable in various sectors of the footwear industry. Common scenarios in which such waterproof footwear may be necessary include fishing and wading, hiking, hunting, camping, snow sports and winter activities, construction, surveying, or plumbing work. In addition, waterproof footwear may be desirable for daily use in urban or suburban environments in order to provide versatility and protection to the user throughout daily and seasonal weather changes. Some common types of waterproof footwear include galoshes, wellington boots, rubber boots, waders, and certain types of hiking, fishing, or work boots.

In many cases, waterproof footwear may be formed of a material that is relatively stiff of that does not flex and bend easily, such as rubber or polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). Further, it is desirable in many waterproof shoes to avoid the inclusion of laces or a tongue structure, as such components may introduce additional gaps, opening, and seams which can act as entry points for water.

However, many such waterproof shoes formed of a stiff material and lacking a lacing or tongue component lack the ability to adjust fit in order to conform and fit snugly to a user's foot. Accordingly, many waterproof shoes may only be able to achieve a loose fit which allows for sliding and slipping of a user's foot during walking and other activities. This may be a particular problem for users that have narrower heels or ankles. Such sliding of the foot may cause discomfort or blistering, as well as providing poor balance and easy of movement. Other deficiencies not noted here also exist.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A waterproof article of footwear of the present technology is adapted to provide an improved and versatile fit that minimizes movement of a user's foot within the footwear. Waterproof footwear according to the present technology includes a waterproof liner which in some aspects is configured to secure a user's foot within the footwear and provide a snug fit.

In some aspects, the present technology provides a liner for an article of footwear comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive a user's foot, and having a sole portion configured to underlie a user's foot and an upper portion configured to overly a user's foot, further including a first waterproof material and a second stretchable waterproof material, wherein the second stretchable waterproof material is provided in a region of the upper portion running from a midfoot region to a collar region and the remainder of the fabric body is formed of the first waterproof material.

Further, the present technology includes an article of footwear comprising an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive the foot of a user, wherein the upper is attached to an outsole, and a liner comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive a user's foot, and having a sole portion configured to underlie a user's foot and lie substantially parallel to the outsole and an upper portion configured to overly a user's foot and to fit beneath the upper, further including a first waterproof material and a second stretchable waterproof material, wherein the second stretchable waterproof material is provided in a region of the upper portion running from a midfoot region to a collar region and the remainder of the fabric body is formed of the first waterproof material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a waterproof article of footwear according to aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 2A is a cut-away side view of a portion of the waterproof article of footwear containing a stretchable waterproof liner according to aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic side view of a waterproof article of footwear containing a stretchable waterproof liner according to aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of a waterproof stretchable liner according to aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic view of portions of a waterproof stretchable liner according to aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic side view of a waterproof article of footwear and stretchable liner according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of a liner according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the footwear and the belt shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 6B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the footwear and the belt shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt according to an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 7B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the footwear and the belt shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing aspects of the present technology, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the technology is not intended to be limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

As used in the present application, “length” means the longest dimension of any object or shape. As used in the present application, “width” means the shortest dimension of any object or shape existing in the same plane or surface as the length. “Thickness” means the remaining dimension of a three-dimensional object which is not the length or the width.

As used in the present application, “medial” means at, towards, near, or relating to the midline of the human body, i.e. as applied to a shoe as it would be oriented when it is situated on the foot of a wearer. As used in the present application, “lateral” means at, towards, near, or relating to the edge of an object, particularly an edge or end which is away from or opposite the midline (medial region) of the human body. When the terms “medial” and “lateral” are applied to a shoe or other wearable object, they describe portions of the object as they would be oriented when worn by a wearer.

As used in the present application, “stretchable” or “stretchy” means capable of elastic deformation in at least one dimension. Specifically, a “stretchable” or “stretchy” material is capable of stretching or expansion to at least 105%, or more preferably 110%, of the original length, width, or thickness of the material upon application of force and capable of returning to the original length, width, or thickness, respectively, once such force is removed. A “stretchable” waterproof material is capable of such stretching without degradation of its waterproof properties. As used in the present application, “stretchable waterproof liner” or “stretchable liner” means a waterproof liner or a liner comprising one or more portions of stretchable material.

The technology disclosed herein includes, in general, waterproof footwear adapted to provide a tighter and more versatile fit around the differently sized and shaped feet of various different users. The footwear of the present technology may include various stretchable components configured to tightly secure and conform to a user's foot. In some aspects of the present technology, a waterproof liner containing one or more stretchable portions is provided for use in the waterproof footwear.

Waterproof Footwear

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a waterproof article of footwear 100 may include all standard aspects of normal footwear, including but not limited to an outsole 102, an upper 104 attached to outsole 102 so that upper 104 and outsole 102 define a cavity 106 adapted to receive a user's foot, toe 108, midfoot 110, ankle 111, and heel 112 regions, as well a collar 114. In some aspects, when waterproof footwear is formed as a boot, footwear 100 may also be provided with a shaft 116. In some embodiments, waterproof footwear 100 may lack a tongue or lacing component. Further, in some aspects, upper 104 and/or outsole 102 of waterproof footwear 100 may comprise rubber, PVC, waterproof leather, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), or similar suitable materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, in an embodiment, waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with a stretchable waterproof liner 200 which may be formed as a fabric liner defining a cavity 202 adapted to receive a user's foot. Further, waterproof liner 200 may be shaped and sized to fit within cavity 106 defined by upper 104 and outsole 102 of footwear 100. Accordingly, the liner 200 may have a sole portion 204 configured to underlie the foot of the user and to lie flush with and parallel to the outsole 102 of footwear. The liner may further comprise an upper portion 206 configured to overlie the foot of a user and to fit beneath upper 104. In some aspects liner 200 may be attached to upper 104 and/or to outsole 102 of footwear 100 at one or more locations, by stitching, adhesive, welding, or fasteners. In an exemplary embodiment, liner 200 may be attached to upper 104 at least in a collar region 114 (FIG. 1) of footwear 100 by stitching.

In alternative embodiments, waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with alternative or additional stretchable components aside from or in addition to liner 200. For example, footwear 100 may be provided with one or more straps disposed within cavity 106 in an ankle 111 or midfoot region 110 and configured to overly a user's foot when the user's foot is disposed within cavity 106. Straps may comprise one or more stretchable portions adapted to apply pressure to a user's foot in order to secure the user's foot within cavity 106 and minimize slipping and movement.

Waterproof Liner

In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, waterproof liner 200 may be formed from one or more panels 208 of fabric, which cooperate and fit together to form a continuous fabric body. In some embodiments, at least one panel 208 may be formed of a stretchable material to form a stretchable panel 210 while the remainder of the panels may be formed of a non-stretchable or less stretchable material to form a non-stretchable panel 212. According to the present technology liner 200 includes at least one non-stretchable panel 212. Including only stretchable panels 210 and no non-stretchable panels 212, may lead to the liner excessively clinging and suctioning to a user's foot, which may hinder easy removal of foot from footwear 100. In an embodiment, all of panels 208 forming liner 200 are waterproof. Accordingly, in an embodiment, both the stretchable and non-stretchable or less stretchable materials are waterproof.

Suitable stretchable materials according to the present technology may be lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, or the like. Suitable non-stretchable materials may include neoprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), expanded PTFE, polyurethane, polyester, wool, cotton, nylon, or the like. Materials of adjacent panels should have similar thicknesses, such as within 1 mm of each other, more preferably within about 0.5 mm of each other, or most preferably within 0.2 mm of each other.

Adjacent panels 210, 212 may be joined to one another by stitching, for example by a zigzag stitch, a lightning stitch, a triple stitch, an overlock stitch, or other suitable stretch stitches. If appropriate stitching is not used, for example, if a straight stitch is used, seams may break, leak, or stretching of stretchable panels may be inhibited. Further, seams may be reinforced against tension and pressure and sealed against water by taping or application of adhesive.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, waterproof liner 200 may be formed of multiple panels, including panels in a heel region 214, lateral and medial panels 216, and a longitudinal panel 218 running from a midfoot portion of liner 200 longitudinally to a collar region of liner 200. In such an embodiment, all panels 208 are formed of waterproof material. In a preferred embodiment, longitudinal panel 218 may be formed of stretchable material 210, while the remainder of the panels 208 may be formed of non-stretchable or less stretchable material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, both longitudinal panel 218 and the remaining panels 208 comprise polyester.

Provision of longitudinal stretchable panel 218 running from a midfoot region to a collar region, as shown in FIG. 3A is advantageous in that this panel may allow for stretching and expansion of a collar and ankle region of the liner, during insertion of a user's foot into a boot or other waterproof footwear 100. If sufficient space is not provided in the shaft 116 of a boot or the collar 114 of other footwear, a user will have difficulty or will be unable to insert their foot into the footwear due to protrusion of the heel of the foot. However, if too much space is provided in the shaft or collar region, then the user's foot may slip and slide within the footwear once inserted.

Accordingly, a tongue and lacing mechanism, a zipper, a gore, or other similar adjustment mechanism is often provided in order to allow for expansion of the shaft and collar regions during insertion of the foot into the footwear and to subsequently allow for tightening once the foot is inserted. However, in waterproof footwear, such conventional mechanisms may be disadvantageous because they may introduce additional perforations, seams, or holes in the upper of the footwear which can allow for entry of water and leaking. Alternatively or additionally, these mechanisms may be more complex to produce, requiring more components or pieces, or may be aesthetically undesirable. In particular with respect to a conventional gore, expansion seam, or insert of stretchable material into an upper, these mechanisms may be disadvantageous in that they relax once a user's foot is disposed within the footwear and thus do not provide continuous pressure or tension around a user's foot. Therefore, undesirable sliding of the foot may occur within the footwear. Accordingly, an embodiment containing longitudinal stretchable panel 218 or other stretchable components as described herein may simultaneously allow for expansion upon insertion of a user's foot while also providing constant tension or pressure against a user's foot in order to ensure a secure fit once the foot is inserted.

While inclusion of longitudinal stretchable panel 218 is particularly preferred, provision of one or more stretchable panels 210 in other regions of liner 200 is also contemplated. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-B, a stretchable panel 210 may be provided in an ankle region of liner 200. In some embodiments, stretchable panel 210 may be configured to be smaller or tighter than surrounding regions of liner 200 when not stretched or expanded. Accordingly, stretchable panel 210 may expand or stretch to provide sufficient room for insertion of a user's heel past the ankle region of liner 200, but may subsequently return to its original tightened state to secure a user's ankle in place in footwear 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4A-B, liner 200 may be formed of woven materials, such as knits. In particular, polyester or TPU stretchable knits are preferred. Such stretchable knitted materials may be designed to be tighter in some areas and looser in others, by adjusting density of fibers, type of fibers, or orientation of fibers. In a preferred embodiment, liner 200 comprises a stretchable knit material designed to form a band 210 in an ankle region which is tighter than liner 200 in adjacent regions. Band 210 is configured to maintain tension across a user's foot once the foot is disposed within footwear 100 in order to reduce slipping and sliding.

In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, 6A-B, and 7A-B, waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with alternative or additional stretchable components instead of or in addition to liner 200. For example, footwear 100 may be provided with one or more straps disposed within cavity 106 in an ankle or midfoot region and configured to overly a user's foot when the user's foot is disposed within cavity 106. Straps may comprise one or more stretchable portions adapted to apply pressure to a user's foot in order to secure the user's foot within cavity 106 and minimize slipping and movement.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, footwear 100 may be provided with belt 300 running from a medial to a lateral edge of footwear 100 in an ankle region 111. In an embodiment, belt 300 may comprise a grid 302 composed of multiple stretchable straps 304. Stretchable straps may be formed of stretchable material such as PTFE, expanded PTFE, lycra, spandex, polyester. Belt 300 is provided in cavity 106 of footwear 100, and underlies upper 104. In some embodiments, belt 300 may overlie a liner, such that belt 300 is sandwiched between liner and upper 104. In some aspects, liner may be a waterproof liner. Belt 300 may be secured to liner, outsole 102, and/or upper 104 at medial and lateral edges of footwear 100 at attachment points 306. Attachment points may comprise stitching, adhesive, grommets, or other fasteners.

Accordingly, belt 300 may be configured to fit tightly across a user's ankle when the foot is inserted into footwear 100, in order to minimize slipping and movement of the foot. However, the stretchable nature of straps 304 allows for expansion and stretching of belt 300 while the foot is inserted into footwear 100.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A-B, belt 300 may alternatively be formed of a non-stretchable mesh or fabric 308 disposed in a central region, between stretchable straps 304 disposed in medial and lateral regions. In such an embodiment, stretchable straps 304 are adapted to remain in tension when a user's foot is disposed within cavity 106 of footwear, thereby holding a user's foot in place and preventing slipping. Mesh 308 is simultaneously adapted to provide pressure across a larger region of the users foot in order to avoid discomfort or pressure points. In some embodiments, a porous mesh may also be used in order to provide breathability.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-B, belt may comprise a four-way stretchable material 310 in a central region and a two-way stretchable material 312 in medial and lateral regions. Two-way stretchable 312 material may be capable of stretching and expansion in medial and lateral directions, while four-way 310 stretchable material may be capable of stretching and expansion in medial and lateral directions, as well as in a toe-collar direction and a collar-toe direction. In such an embodiment, two-way stretchable material 312 are adapted to remain in tension when a user's foot is disposed within cavity 106 of footwear, thereby holding a user's foot in place and preventing slipping. At the same time, four-way stretchable material 310 is adapted to stretch adequately in a toe-collar and collar-toe direction so as to prevent pinching or undesirable excessive inhibition of movement when a user kneels or bends.

Waterproof Footwear Including Stretchable Liner

In an exemplary embodiment, waterproof footwear 100 lacking a tongue or lacing component is provided. Such waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with a stretchable waterproof liner 200 which may be formed as a fabric liner defining a cavity 202 adapted to receive a user's foot. Further, waterproof liner 200 may be shaped and sized to fit within the cavity 106 defined by upper 104 and outsole 102 of footwear 100. Accordingly, the liner 200 may have a sole portion 204 configured to underlie the foot of the user and to lie flush with and parallel to the outsole 102 of footwear 100. The liner 200 may further comprise an upper portion 206 configured to overlie the foot of a user and to fit beneath upper 104.

In a preferred embodiment, upper portion 206 is provided with a longitudinal stretchable panel 218 running from a midfoot region to a collar region, in order to allow for stretching and expansion of a collar and ankle region of the liner 200, during insertion of a user's foot into a boot or other waterproof footwear 100. If sufficient space is not provided in the shaft 116 of a boot or the collar of other footwear 100, a user will have difficulty or will be unable to insert their foot into the footwear due to protrusion of the heel of the foot. However, if too much space is provided in the shaft or collar region, then the user's foot may slip and slide within the footwear once inserted. Accordingly, an embodiment containing longitudinal stretchable panel 218 may simultaneously allow for expansion upon insertion of a user's foot while also providing a secure fit once the foot is inserted.

Further, in some aspects, liner 200 is configured to be smaller than cavity 106, particularly in a shaft 116 and/or ankle 111 region. According to the present technology, excess space may be provided in cavity 106 formed by upper 104 such that there is sufficient space for a user to insert their foot. However, such excess space would also allow for slipping of a user's foot once it is inserted. Accordingly, stretchable liner 200 is provided and configured to be smaller than cavity 106, so as to fit tightly against and over a user's foot, particularly in the shaft 116, collar 114, and/or ankle 111 region, once the user's foot is inserted in order to minimize sliding. When a user inserts their foot into footwear 100 provided with liner 200, liner 200 may expand to the full size and width of cavity 106 of upper 104, before contracting to its original size once the foot is inserted.

Footwear Including Stretchable Liner and/or Stretchable Components

In addition to the waterproof embodiments described herein, liner 200 and other stretchable components described herein may be used in conjunction with non-waterproof or only partially waterproof embodiments. For example, liner 200 and belt 300 may be formed of non-waterproof material and may be used in entirely or partially non-waterproof footwear. In particular, liner 200 and belt 300 may be useful in non-waterproof footwear which lack a tongue or lacing element. A tongue or lacing component may be less desirable even in non-waterproof footwear due to expense of manufacturing and extra components needed for production, and/or also may not be preferred due to aesthetic reasons. Accordingly, non-waterproof footwear may be provided with liner 200 and/or belt 300 in order to provide a secure and versatile fit which minimizes sliding of a user's foot in a shoe lacking a tongue and/or lacing element.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A liner for an article of footwear, comprising: a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive a user's foot, the fabric body having a sole portion configured to underlie the user's foot and an upper portion configured to overly the user's foot; the fabric body comprising a first material and a second stretchable material.
 2. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first material and the second stretchable material is waterproof.
 3. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the second stretchable material is provided in a region of the upper portion running from a midfoot region to a collar region and a remainder of the fabric body is formed of the first material.
 4. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the fabric body comprises a plurality of panels of fabric.
 5. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 4, wherein at least one panel is a non-stretchable panel formed of the first material and at least one panel is a stretchable panel formed of the second stretchable material.
 6. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the stretchable panel is provided in a region of the upper portion running from a midfoot region to a collar region, and a remainder of the plurality of panels are non-stretchable panels.
 7. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the stretchable panel is provided in an ankle region of the upper portion, and a remainder of the plurality of panels are non-stretchable panels.
 8. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the stretchable panel is configured to be tighter than adjacent non-stretchable panels, when the stretchable panel is not in a stretched or expanded state.
 9. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first material is at least one selected from the group consisting of neoprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), expanded PTFE, polyurethane, polyester, wool, cotton, nylon, polyester kint material, and TPU knit material.
 10. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the second stretchable material is at least one selected from the group consisting of lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, polyester knit material, and TPU knit material.
 11. The liner for an article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the second stretchable material is capable of elastic expansion to at least 105% of an original length, width, or thickness of the second stretchable material.
 12. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot of a user, wherein the upper is attached to an outsole; and a liner comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive the user's foot, the fabric body having a sole portion configured to underlie the user's foot and lie substantially parallel to the outsole, and an upper portion configured to overly the user's foot and to fit beneath the upper; the fabric body comprising a first waterproof material and a second stretchable waterproof material.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the second stretchable waterproof material is provided in a region of the upper portion running from a midfoot region to a collar region and a remainder of the fabric body is formed of the first waterproof material.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the upper of the article of footwear does not include a tongue and lacing mechanism, a zipper, a gore, or other adjustment mechanism.
 15. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper defining a cavity adapted to receive a foot of a user, wherein the upper is attached to an outsole; and a belt disposed within the cavity, said belt running from a medial to a lateral edge of the article of footwear, in an ankle region.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the upper of the article of footwear does not include a tongue and lacing mechanism, a zipper, a gore, or other adjustment mechanism.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 15, further comprising a liner comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive the user's foot, the fabric body having a sole portion configured to underlie the user's foot and lie substantially parallel to the outsole, and an upper portion configured to overly the user's foot and to fit beneath the upper, wherein the belt overlies the liner.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein at least one of the article of footwear or the liner is waterproof.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the belt comprises at least one stretchable strap.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the stretchable strap comprises at least one of PTFE, expanded PTFE, lycra, spandex, or polyester. 